Power control for punch presses and the like



Feb. 1, 1944. M. EASON 2.34 POWER CONTROL FOR PUNCH PRESSE AND THE LIKE Filed Qct. '15. 1941 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1. 22 74 INVENTOR. Clarence M man Fel 1,- 1944.

.c. M. EASON 2,340,416 POWER CONTROL FOR PUNCH PRESSES AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 15, 1941 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Cigars/20c M 55 8012,

v BY

J w/u 1m rflumz' Feb. '1, 1944. so 2,340,416 Q POWER CONTROL FOR PUNCH PRESSES AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 15, 1941 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

Cczwence M Eaow w BY I Jam/0 Feb. 1,1944. (3, Q 2,340,416

POWER CONTROL FOR PUNCH PRESSES AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 15, 1941 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 "M1 9 INVENTOR.

Carence M Fezsbn BY /0/ law,

Feb. 1,. 1944.

C. M. EASON 2,340,416

- POWER CONTROL FOR PUNCH PRESSES AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 15, 1941 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 VIII/Ii IN VEN TOR.

Clarence M f aso/z 7 BY I Feb. 1, 1944. c. M. .EASO'N 2,340,416

POWER CONTROL FOR PUNCH PRESSES AND THE LIKE- Filed Oct. 15, 1941 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR. M Ease/z Patented Feb. 1, 1944 OFFICE POWER CONTROL FOR PUNCH PRESSES AND THE LIKE Clarence M. Eason, Waukesha, Wis.

Application October 15, 1941, Serial No. 415,022 19 Claims. (o1. 192 144) The present invention relates to clutches designed primarily for driving punch presses and such other machines and devices as are characterized by a single stroke operation, a single revolution, or other single or limited operation. While the invention resides primarily in those features of the clutch control mechanism having to do with single stroke or single trip operation of a punch press, nevertheless the invention is not essentially limited thereto because the control mechanism also includes improved features having to do with continuous or repeated running of the press.

There has been a continuous trend in recent years toward higher and higher speeds in heavy duty punch presses. One reason for this is the obvious one of increasing the output of such presses. Another reason, not o obvious, is that th higher speeds produce a cleaner, sharper molecular separation of the metal, when a cutting or punching operation is to be performed. When punching out blanks and performing other operations where a clean-cut shear of the metal is desired, as distinguished from a drawing operation where there is no complete separation of the metal, the higher speeds produce a sharper, cleaner shear of the metal. Furthermore, the higher speeds, with their higher kinetic energies in the ram and in the movable die, use less pow-.

er. Still another reason for higher speeds is the psychological eiTect on the workman. There is no delay in waiting for the machine to perform its operation. Instead, the reverse is true because the machine is then waiting for the man.

Hence, the man is inspired to work faster in an effort to keep up with the machine.

This continuous trend toward higher speeds has resulted in increased adaptation of friction clutches to the operation of punch presses, it having been long recognized that a friction clutch possesses definite operating advantages over a jaw or pin clutch for this type of punch press use, particularly from the standpoint. of reduced shock at time of engagement, reduced Wear of clutch surfaces, almost complete elimination of clutch noise, etc. The successfuluse of friction clutches in heavy duty punch presses has been greatly aided by the development of improved servo types of friction clutches wherein torque transmitted through the clutch is utilized to obtain a very high engaging pressure of the friction surfaces. In my earlier Patent No. 2,268,578, issued January 6, 1942, and in my later Patent No. 2,308,679, issued January 19, 1943, I have illustrated friction clutches for punch.

presses wherein heavy engaging pressures 'are established between the clutch surfaces by a helical spline type of servo mechanism in the one 'in stance, and by a toggle strut type of servo mechanism in the other instance. These servo mechanisms prevent slippage of the clutch by imposing an extremely high pressure upon the clutch surfaces, particularly at the instant of maximumtorque, viz., at the instant of impact of the movable die with the work. In the construction disclosed in the present application, I preferably employ a toggle strut type of servo mechanism for obtaining certain advantages, although the construction may employ a helical spline" type of servo mechanism, if desired. Furthermore,

the invention can also be utilized with substantially the same advantages in ordinary spring load clutches having no servo action.

The aforementioned trend toward higher and higher press speeds, approaching 1,000 R. P. M., and possibly even higher speeds in the immediate future, has greatly complicated the control of these press clutches. For example, when operating an older type punch press under the relatively slower speeds of approximately to R. P. M. heretofore prevailing in heavy duty work, it was not difficult for the operator to depress the tripping pedal for causing a single stroke operation and to then quickly remove his foot from the pedal before another single stroke operation could start. However, when operating a press at considerably higher speeds,approaching 1,000 B. P. M., it is almost physically impossible for the operator to depress the tripping pedal through its full range of movement for causing a singl stroke operation, and still get his foot off the pedal quick enough to prevent another cycle of operation. Accordingly, greater hazards are introduced into the operation of the clutch control mechanism by these higher speeds.

One of the objects of the present invention is to embody improved safety features in the control mechanism employed in clutches of the illustrating the operating connection between the clutch control mechanism and the tripping pedal;

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional View taken approximately on the plane of the line 3--3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view in the opposite direction, taken approximately on the plane of the line 4-4 of Figure 1-;

Figures 5, 6, and 7 are sectional diagrams showing; different positions of the ball-cam clutch actuating member;

Figure 8 is an enlarged vertical" sectional view through the clutch control mechanism;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary front elevation of the spring toggle mechanism which controls-the brake apparatus;

Figure 10 is a horizontal plan view of this toggle mechanism, corresponding to a view-taken on the plane of the line Iii-40 of Figure 9;

. Figures ll, 12, 13 and 14 are detail sectional views showing diiferent steps in the single trip operating cycle and inthe repeating operating cycle ofthe-clutch control mechanism;

Figure 15 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view, similar to Figure 3, illustrating a-modified construction;

Figure 16' is a detail sectional View taken on the plane of the line l6-iii of Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 15, illustrating another modified construction;

Figure 18 is a detail sectional view taken on the plane of the line Iii-48 of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a fragmentary sectional view of still another modified construction; and

Figure 20 is a detail sectional View taken on {he plangof the line Zll2ll of Figure 19.

Referring first toFigure 1, the adjacent side portion and end bearing of the punch press is indicated fragmentarily at 24, the crank shaft isindicated at 25, the crank at and the flywheel,-beltwheel, bull gear. or other driving element is indicated at 26. The hub portion 21 of said belt wheel or flywheel is journaled on the reduced outer end-of the crank shaft 25 through the medium of thrust resisting anti-friction bearings 26. The driving element of the clutch comprises a female cone member 3! which is secured to the belt wheel 26. The driven element or the clutch comprises a coacting male cone .Eitol, this being 'shiftab'le axially for efiiecting clutch engagement with the non-shiftable female cone 3!. The shiftable male cone is one part of an' assembly which makes up the shiftable clutch element, and which I have designated 32 inits entirety. Any suitable clutch linirigmaterial B-B'is'riV'eted to the male cone 32a.

The shift-able clutch element 32 comprises a central hub structure 34 having a radially extending flange 35 to which is secured the central portion of the driven cone 32a by'the cap screws also includes a laterally projecting enclosing ring 39 which partially houses the servo struts and the spring struts to be hereinafter described, the ring having a radially extending flange which abuts the flange 35 and Which is secured thereto by the cap screws 36. Embraced within the hub structure 34 and housing ring 39 is the thrust reaction member 42 which receives the thrust reaction of the toggle struts and establishes the torque transmitting connection between the shiftable clutch element and'the crank shaft 25. Said member 42 is rigidly anchored to the shaft 25 by a drive key 43 and by a tight fit on a tapered portion'of'such shaft, although it will be understood that a splined connection may be employed in lieu thereof, if desired. The radially extending flange M at the outer end of the member s2 abuts against the thrust ring 46 which is secured to the hub 21 of the driving element 25 by the screws 47. Thus, the thrust reaction incident to the axial movement of the shiftable clutch element 32 into engagement with the nonshiftable clutch element 3| is transmitted back through thethrust plate 46 and through the hub 2'! and web portion of the driving element 25 to the non-shiftable clutch element 3!. The forces set up in the operation of releasing the clutch are transmitted through the thrust platellt, hub 2'5 and. thrust bearings 28 to the shaft 25.

In the preferred constructionillustrated, the toggle strut type of servo mechanism is employed, such as is illustrated in my prior Patents No. 2,308,679 and No. 2,308,680, although it will be understood that the present invention not limited to this particular clutch structure or tothis form of servo mechanism. In fact, in one of the embodiments herein disclosed I have shown my invention embodied in a spring loaded clutch which does not employ any servo mechanism. The strut type of servo mechanism illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 1 isdisclosed in complete detail in my prior Patent-No. 2,308,679, and accordingly, I have only made a schemaitc illustration thereof in the present drawings. Briefly describing this strut apparatus, in connection with Figure 1, it will be seen that the shiftable member 32' is formed with a plurality of lugs or bosses 48 which project laterally toward the right,

, and that the thrust reaction member 42 is formed with a plurality of lugs or bosses iii-which project laterally toward the left, the lugs or bosses of one member alternating or extending into the spaces between the lugs or bosses of the other member around the peripheries of the members; Interposed between these alternating bosses are the driving toggle struts 5i and the spring toggle struts 52. The driving struts 5! are solid fixedlength steel units somewhat resembling dumbbells, the spherical end heads being relatively large and being accurately machined and ground for sustaining high compressive thrust loads through such end heads with minimum friction. These spherical end heads engage respectively within the spherical sockets 48a and Ala-a formed, respectively, within the bosses i8 and the bosses 49. These sockets are accurately machined and ground, and are preferably of a slightly larger radius than. the ball ends of the struts. The reverse driving, spring toggle strutsz'iz each comprise the two separate shank portions having semi-spherical heads at their outer ends. The two strut sections are both slidable along an axial pin 52c, the ends of which carry suitable stop rings which have snap engagement within annular grooves formed in the axial pin. These stop rings play within outer counterbores in the two strut sections thereby limiting outward extensibility of the strut. A relatively heavy compression spring 52h encircles the struts and has its ends abutting the annular shoulders defined by the under sides of the semi-spherical end heads. The latter end heads have rockable bearing mounting within the spherical sockets 48b and 4917 which are accurately machined and ground within the bosses 48 and 49, respectively.

There are preferably three pairs of such driving and spring struts i and'52 spaced equi-distantly about the periphery of the shiftable clutch member 32 and thrust reaction member 42. Of course, any desired number of pairs may be employed, but three pairs afford a three-point application of the spring pressure and also of the servo pressure. In this regard my invention contemplates either a construction in which the shifting and rotating movement of the shiftable clutch member 32, incident to clutch engagement and release, occurs on a bearing surface afforded by the hub of the thrust reaction member 42, or other equivalent bearing surface, or, in the alternative, where this shifting and rotating movement occurs as a floating motion on the struts so that rocking, tilting, radial displacement or a veritable universal joint action is permitted for enabling most effective co-action between the driving and driven cones.

The helical angle of each strut is an angular relation of the strut with respect to the axial line of the clutch. The forward driving struts 5! are all inclined at the same common angle with respect to this axial line, and the reverse driving struts 52 are all reversely or oppositely inclined at the same common angle with respect to this axial line. In the embodiment illustrated. this angular inclination is of substantially the same degree for both sets of struts, although the two sets may be disposed at considerably different angles, if desired. The degree of engaging pressure ultimately established in the clutch by the servo action of the struts can be proportioned as desired by varying the angular inclination of the struts. For example, as the angle of inclination of the struts 5! is made to approach the plane of rotation the servo action diminishes, and as the angle of inclination is made to approach the axial plane the servo action increases.

With reference to the spring struts 52, the springs of these struts function as the loading springs which normally tend to force the shiftable clutch element 32 into engagement with the non-shiftable clutch element 3!. observed that by virtue of their inclined positions, these struts impart an axial component and a rotating component to the shiftab-le clutch element. The axial component is further supplemented by the toggle action of the driving struts 5!. The normal direction of rotation of the clutch and crank shaft is indicated by the arrow 1. It will be noted that the spring struts tend to produce relative rotation between the driven clutch element 32 and the thrust reaction member 42 in opposite directions, i. e., they tend to rotate the driven clutch element in the forward direction of rotation r and, at the same time, tend to rotate the thrust reaction member 42 and the connected crank shaft 25 in the reverse direction of rotation. It is the compres sion springs on these spring struts 52 that are placed in the loaded or cocked condition by the inertia of the crank shaft and its connected parts when the clutch is disengaged, and which It will be i normally stand ready to effect engagement of the clutch instantly upon the tripping operation. As fully discussed in my prior Patent No. 2,308,679, the spring struts can also function as reverse drive struts. It is frequently desirable to be able to back up the press ram during the operation of changing or setting the dies, or freeing the movable die from a jammed condition in the Work, and such can be readily accomplished in my improved construction by the action of the spring struts 52 contracting to a solid condition when the relative rotation between the clutch member 32 and the thrust reaction member 42 is in the direction tending to compress each strut 52.

A portion of the clutch control mechanism is mounted on the crank shaft 25 at a point betweenthe frame 24 of the press and the above described clutch structure. This control mechanism comprises the two circular cam plates or clutch actuators 55 and 56 between which are disposed balls 51. As shown in Figures 5, 6 and '7, the opposing faces of the two cam plates are formed with coacting runways 58 and 59 for each of the balls 57. The two cam plates or clutch actuators 55, 56 are capable of relative rotation, and such relative rotation operates through the balls and sloping runways 58, 59 to create a spreading or separating pressure between the cam rings, in the manner of a servo releasing mechanism, for shifting the shiftable clutch element to its disengaging position and for holding the shiftable clutch element in its disengaging position. The cam ring 55 is capable of rotary movement but is fixed against axial shifting movement, whereas the cam ring 56 is capable of both rotary and shifting movements. The non-shiftable thrust ring 55 is adapted to transmit its inwardly acting thrust through an anti-friction bearing 6| (Figure 1) to a hub structure 62 which is fixedly secured to the crank shaft 25 by the key 63 or other suitable driving connection. The hub member 62 is coupled to the thrust reaction member 42 by a a coupling sleeve 64 which screws over a thread 62 on the hub member 62 and over a thread 42' on the reaction member 42. An outwardly extending flange 55 on the coupling sleeve 64 prevents outward shifting movement of the nonshiftable cam ring 55. A set screw 65 passing inwardly through this flange 65 engages in a bore in the hub member 62 for locking the coupling sleeve 64 in assembled relation.

Formed integral with the cam plate 55 is a brake drum H, and formed integral with the hub structure 62 is a brake drum 12. These 1 two brake drums H and 12 are of sloping or V-shaped section for receiving two brake shoes 13, 13' (Figure 3) of V-shaped section therebetween. These brake shoes are preferably identical and are formed at their upper ends with pivot hubs 14, 14 which have pivotal mounting on a supporting pin 15 projecting outwardly from a bracket plate 16 secured to the end of the press frame 24. It will be evident that the operation of contracting the lower ends 'of the two brake shoes towards each other will exert simultaneous braking retardation on both brake drums H and 12. The retarding of the drum H serves to retard the cam plate 55, which causes the balls 51 to run into the shallow ends of the pockets 58, 56, with consequent spreading between the two cam plates 55, 55 and shifting of the shiftable clutch element 32 to clutch releasing position. The retarding of the other drum 12 serves to retard the rotation of the crank shaft, crank, and ram, bringing these parts quickly to rest, and holding them in their normal positions with the crank substantially in its upper dead center position. Hence, the simultaneous braking retardation exerted on the two brake drums releases'the clutch and simultaneously brakes the crankshaft, crank and ram to bring them to rest in the proper normal position. The release of the two brake shoes 73, '53 by outward spreading movement thereof functions to release the two brake drums ll, 12 which simultaneously engages the clutch and takes the braking grip off the crank shaft, crank and ram. When the clutch control brake drum H is released the cam plate immediately tends to run ahead under the camming action of the balls 57 in the cam pockets 58, 59, and also under the action of the rotary component exerted by the spring struts 52. That is to say, the straight axial thrust exerted by the spring struts 52 reacts through the cam pockets 58, 55 on the balls El, tending to cause the balls to run to the deep ends of the cam pockets so that the cam ring 56 can shift axially to clutch engaging position. The rotary component exerted by the inclined spring struts 52 on the shiftable clutch element also tends to run the cam plate 55 on ahead as soon as the brake is released. Still further, a long coiled tension spring l8 (Figures 1 and 3) is stretched along the bottom of the groove between the two brake drums H and 72. One end of this tension spring. 78 is secured to a pin 79 (Figure 3) anchored to the clutch controlling brake drum 7 l, and the other end of said spring is secured to a pin 8| anchored to the crank holding brake drum 72. The pull of this spring tends to cause the clutch controlling drum H to run on ahead as soon as the brake shoes l3, it are released, this spring thus assisting in the operation of engaging the clutch.

The lower ends of the two brake shoes are normally forced towards each other by a pair of compression springs t3, (Figure 3). These two springs are mounted on the opposite ends of a through rod M which has freely sliolable mounting in bosses 85, 85 formed adjacent the lower ends of the brake shoes. An adjusting nut 83 and cooperating washer compress the spring 83, and an end head 86' and cooperating washer compress the spring 83'. Adjustment of the nut 86 simultaneously adjusts both springs, and the through rod 8% assures equalized pressure on both brake shoes. Referring now to the brake operating mechanism, the lower on s of the brake shoes l3, T3 are formed with bosses 89, 89' in which toggle studs til, at are mounted for endwise adjustment. The toggle studs screw through threaded sleeves 95, 9| which are rotatable in the bosses 89, t8. Nuts 92, $2 lock the sleeves in the bosses, and nuts 3, 83' lock the toggle studs in'the sleeves, after the toggle studs have been given the desired adjustment. The inner end of each toggle stud carries a transverse pivot pin 94, 9d on which are mounted the outer ends of pairs of toggle links 95, 95'. These toggle links are preferably of standard roller chain construction, al though specially designed links can be employed if desired. The inner ends of said toggle links are pivotally mounted on two laterally spaced knuckle pivots 95, 95'. These knuckle pins are secured in the upper crosshead portion 9'1? of a vertically reciprocating brake operator 95:3. This brake operator 98 comprises a cylindrical stem portion which is guided within a cylindrical bore as (Figure 8) formed within a control housing it! which is bolted to the side of the press frame 2%. A stop collar I02 is formed on the brake operator 98, below the crosshead 91, and this stop collar is adapted to strike the top of the housing lfll for limiting the downward movement of the brake operator and toggle linkage. The brake-on position of the toggle mechanism and brake operator 98 is shown in Figure 3 (and in dotted lines in Figure 9), in which position of the parts the toggle links 95, are at liberty to swing upwardly to whatever angle is necessary for enabling the springs 33, 83 to force the brake shoes into firm braking engagement with the drums H and i2. In the operation of releasing the brake mechanism, the brake operat0r98 is pulled downwardly to carry the knuckle pivots 96, 96 into or slightly past a dead center position, this dead center line being indicated at m-a: in Figure 9. This brake released position is illustrated in full lines in Figure 9, from which it will be seen that the knuckle pivots 3t, 8% are only carried a very short distance past the dead center line .r.r, the motion in this direction being limited by the stop collar'lilil striking the top of the housing NH. The result ing spreading action occurring between the lower ends of the brake shoes releases the braking pressure of the shoes on the drums H and 72.

Referring to Figure 8, a long slot the is milled transversely through the lower portion of the brake operator 98, and extending across the lower end of this slot is a pivot pin it on which is mounted a latch or dog It! adapted to rock back and forth within the slot I65. The lower end of this latch member has a nose or shoulder I88 facing upwardly, and the upper end of said latch member has a nose or shoulder Hi8 facing downwardly. Suitable spring means is carried by the brake operator 98 for urging the latch member it? toward the left, into the normal position illustrated in Figure 8, this spring means being shown as comprising a plurality of spring leaves l H extending downwardly in a recessed forward portion of brake operator stem 38, the upper ends of these spring leaves being anchored to the stem by a transverse rivet or bolt H2.

The brake operator 88 is adapted to be actuated alternatively or selectively by a manual actuator H4 or by a power actuator i i5. (Figure 8). When the clutch control mechanism is set for single trip operation, the brake operator 9%! is adapted to be actuated alternately, first by the manual actuator M4 to engage the clutch, and then by the power actuator H5 to release the clutch. On the other hand, when the clutch control mechanism is set for repeating operation, the brake operator 98 is actuated by the manual actuator H4 and remains in its actuated position as long as the manual actuator remains in its actuated position. The manual actuator HQ comprises a slide block ill, preferably of rectangular cross-section, which is guided for vertical reciprocatory motion in a rectangular guideway liil formed in the front of the housing lill, as best shown in Figure 10. A removable cover plate 1 i9 is secured by screws it! (Figure 3) to the open front of the housing ml, this cover plate closing the open front of the guideway H8. Referring again to Figure 8, cored out in the slide block i'i is a long vertical slot I23, in which a treadle latch or dog I24 is pivoted on a pin E25 extending trans versely through the slot H23. The lower end of the dog I24 is formed with a nose or shoulder 12:; which is adapted to engage the lower shoulthe cover plate II9.

der I68 on thebrake operator latch I61,this lower shoulder I68 on said latch extending into the vertical slot I23 of the guide block in position to be engaged by the nose I26. The upper portion of the dog I24 is formed with a later ally extending, downwardly facing shoulder I21 which is adapted to slide within a rectangular guide channel I28 formed in the-inner face of Suitable spring means is carried by the manual actuator H4 for urging the dog I24 into the normalposition illustrated in Figure 8, this spring means preferably comprising a pair of leaf springs i3I having their upper ends bearing against the side of the dog and having their lower ends anchored to the slide block II1 by the rivet or screw I32. An outwardly projecting shoulder I33 on the lower portion of the slide block is adapted to abut the lower edge of the front cover plate II9 for limiting the upward movement of the slide block. The manual actuator H4 is adapted to be moved downwardly through an operating stroke by the act of depressing a suitable treadle I35, as diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 2. This treadle is pivoted at I36 to the press frame 24, or to any other suitable support, and may be arranged to face forwardly instead of laterally as shown in Figure 2. A suitable spring I51 normally tends to hold'the treadle I35 in its raised position. A treadle link I36 has its lower end adjustably connected with the treadle through an adjustable clevis I39, and has its upper end pivotally connected at I46 to an apertured ear 1' extending downwardly from the slide block II1.

Thechange-over from single trip operation to repeating operation, or Vice verse, is effected by rotating a slotted tripping shaft MI to either one of two positions. As shown in Figure 8, this tripping shaft is mounted for rotation in a suitable bore I44 which extends transversely of the housing cover plate I19 in position to intersect the vertical guideway I28. A transverse kerf or slot I li in the shaft I ii is adapted to align with the front wall of the guideway I26 when the shaft is rotated to the clear position illustrated in Figures 13 and 14. In this position of the shaft, the shoulder I21 of the dog I24 can continue down to a lower point in the guideway I28 (Figure 13) without being intercepted by the tripping shaft I lI. When the shaft is rotated through 90 to the intercepting position illustrated in Figures 8, 11 and 12, the

kerf It! forms an intercepting stop against which the shoulder I21 strikes when the slide block H1 has been moved down approximately to the position illustrated in Figure 12. The intercepting of the shoulder I21 swings the nose l26 of dog I24 out of engagement with shoulder I66 of latch I61 (Figure 12), for effecting a single trip operation of the clutch, as hereinafter described more in detail. The intercepting shaft I6! is adapted to be rotated between its two positions through the medium of a crank -handle I55 secured to the outer end of the shaft (Figures 1 and 10). A spring impelled locking bolt IE6 is mounted in the swinging end of the crank lever I45 for effecting locking engagement selectively in either one of the two locking apertures II and I52 (Figure 1) formed in the side wall of the housing iilIn When thelever I45 is swung to the upper position illustrated in Figure 1, with the locking bolt I46 engaging in the locking hole I5I, the interceptor shaft I 'll occupies the intercepting position shown in Fig?- of work conditions. is to be run at a relatively slow speed, as for extires 8, 11 and 12; and when the lever I45 is swung downwardly to bring the locking bolt Hi6 into registration with the lower locking hole I52 the intercepter shaft MI is swungto the clear position illustrated in Figures 13 and 14.

Referring now to the power actuator II5, this device also comprises a slide block I55 of rectan-r gular cross section arranged for reciprocatory motion in a rectangular guideway I56 recessed out of the back side of the housing IBI (Figure 10). A hook I51 projects outwardly from the front side of the slide block I55, thishook extending into the slot I65 of the brake operator-98, in position for engaging the upper shoulder or nose I09 of the latch I61 (Figure'8). For facility and cheapness of repair, the hook I51 may consist of a small steel insert which is riveted or pinned in'a slot in the slide block I55,whereby in the event of substantial wear of the hook I51 it is only necessary to replace this small insert. An offset lug I56 at the upper end of the slide block I55 carries a pivotpin I6I over which engages a pivot boss I62 at the lower end of a pitman I63. Referring to Figure 4, the upper end of the pitman I63 is formed with an eccentric strap or follower I64 encircling an eccentric I65. This eccentric is mounted on the crank shaft 25 and is adapted to be driven thereby. Novel provision is made for obtaining relatively small degrees of angular adjustment of the eccentric I65 relatively to the crank shaft 25. This adjusting means comprises an adjusting flange I66, (Figure 1) extending outwardly from the eccentric I65 and adapted to abut against the inner face, of the brake hub member 62'. A series of 30 equally spaced tapped holes I61 (Figure 4) are provided in the hub member 62, and the adjusting flange I66 is formed with 36 counterbored holes I68 which are equally spaced and arranged on the same radius from the crank shaft as the holes I61. The adjustable keying is effected by 6, sockethead cap screws I69 which extend through six equally spaced holes I68 and thread into six aligned bores I61. The removal of these cap screws and their insertion into the next succeeding holes permits relatively fine'angular adjustments of the eccentric I65 relatively to thecrank 25, these adjustments being in the neighborhood of 2, This wide range of adjustment of the eccentric I65 relatively to the crank 25' enables the clutch control mechanism to be readily changed for acoommoding a Wide variety of press speeds, and for accommodating a wide variety In the event that the press ample in performing drawing operations as distinguished from punching operations, the eccentric will be given a very delayed or retarded setting relatively to the crank 25' so thatthe automatic action of utilizing the crank shaft torque to apply the brake mechanism through the medium of the eccentric I65 will not occur until the crank 25' is moving upwardly, the application of the brake being timed to bringthe crank shaft to rest substantially with the crank in its upper dead center position. Conversely, if the press is to be operated at a very high speed for producing sharp clean punchings on thin-metal stock, then the eccentric willbeadjusted to a relatively advanced or leading position, so that the eccentric will begin to apply the brake many degrees in advance of the crank 25' reaching its upper dead" center position, this large lead in the timing of the eccentric being necessary sin order to compensate for inertia of parts and to bring the high speed rotation of the crank shaft to rest in ample time to have the crank stop substantially at the upper dead center position. This timing relation will be further described after the description of the cyclical steps of the control mechanism, illustrated in Figures 11, 12, 13, and 1e.

Referring now to the cyclical steps of the control mechanism, Figure 8 illustrates the normal position of the control parts, with the brake engaged or on, and with the clutch disengaged or off. It will be noted that the brake-on position also imposes braking force on the crank shaft 25 through the other brake drum '52. In this normal position of the parts, the reciprocatingbrake operator 98 is in its upper position with the toggle mechanism 93-96 above the dead center line :11-:c, and with the latch IIJ'Iin the latching position shown in Figure 8. In this normal position of the parts, the manual actuator I I4 is in its raised position, for disposing the nose I26 of the dog I25 above the shoulder I38 of the latch I81; and, in such normal position, the automatic or power actuator II5 is substantially in "its uppermost position with the hook I51 disposed below the shoulder !09 of the latch I01. We shall assume that the punch press attendant has set the machine for single trip operation by placing the control handle M5 in its uppermost position, for disposing the tripping shaft MI in transverse position, ready to intercept or block clownward motion of the shoulder IZ'I on dog I24. To start the press the attendant depresses the pedal I35, which starts moving the manual actuator I I4 downwardly, as shown in Figure 11. The nose I26 on the dog I24 engages the shoulder I08 and imparts clockwise rocking motion to the latch I61, This swings the upper hook portion I09 of the latch clear of the power actuated hook I51, and thereafter continued downward pressure exerted on the lower shoulder I68 starts .moving the brake operator 9% downwardly. Such downward motion of the brake operator starts spreading the toggle mechanism 9 i% and "thereby starts releasing the brake mechanism. The release of the brake mechanism permits the brake drum TI .to rotate forwardly for causing engagement of the. clutch. In this. downward motion of the brake operator 98, when the operator reaches the position indicated approximately in dotted lines in Figure 11, the toggle mecha- 'nism S t-96 has just moved into dead center "alignment along the line :c-:n (Figure 9)..

Further motion of the brake operator is a spring actuated snap motion, which is capable of cans- 'ing the brake operator 98 to run ahead .of the manual actuator Iii if said actuator is being depressed slowly.

The final downward movement of the brake operator 95 and of the manual actuator I I4 (for The shoulder I21 on the dog I24 has also been intercepted by the tripping shaft I II for rocking the dog .to its releasing position, with the nose I25) clear of the lower shoulder Hi8 on the latch IUI. Thus, the latch I01 is free to swing to the left (as indicated in dotted lines) and transfer its operative connection to the power actuator H5. The power actuator assumes control of the brake operator 98 as soon as the rotation of the crank shaft has carried the hook I51 downwardly to the point where the pawl nose I99 can snap to the left over this hook. Upon upward movement of the power actuator M5 the hook I51 starts transmitting a power drive upwardly to the brake operator at through the latch iil'i. Assuming that the attendant has released the treadle I35 immediately upon depressing it, the manual actuator M will start its upward movement ahead of-the brake operator 98, or substantially concurrently therewith, unless an extremely high driving speed is being transmitted to the press. In such event, and particularly if the attendant is somewhat tardy in releasing the treadle I35, the brake operator 93 may start back up under the power drive of the automatic actuator H5 while the manual actuator Iii is still substantially inits lowermost position, illustrated in Figure 1-2. This upward motion of the brake operator, ahead of the manual actuator I M, can readily take'place by virtue of the lower hook IE8 moving upwardly along the left hand edge of the dog I26, past the nose I26, as will be evident from Figure '12. This same advance operation of the brake operator, preceding the restoring movement of the manual actuator IId, will also take place if the attendant continues to hold the treadle depressed, even though the control mechanism is only set for single stroke operation. At this time, the shoulder I88 of the latch Iii'i will continue upwardly along the left hand side of the dog I24, as above described. Hence, the control mechanism is effectively safeguarded against accidental repeating operation under either one of theabove'c'onditions. Still further, the control mechanism is safeguarded against dangerous interfering operation in the event that the attendant is allowing the manual actuator II l to move upwardly to its normal restored position with a relatively slow motion, or in the event that an extremely high speed being transmitted to the press causes the brake operator 93 to catch up with the manual actuator before the latter can get back to its normal position. Under either of these conditions, the shoulder IZ'I of the dog I24 has left the tripping shaft MI, and hence the lower nose I26 of said dog has swung laterally to theleft into latching position. In this position, the lower shoulder I98 on the latch It! comes up and strikes the nose I26, thereby transmitting power impetus from the power actuator H5 through the brake operator 98 to the manual actuator II I. Hence, the manual actuator is quickly driven up to its restored position, such 'quick upward movement lifting the treadle 35 and the attendants foot, even though his foot may be exerting substantial downward pressure on the treadle. The matching surfaces of the power driven hook I5! and of the shoulder I519 are preferably inclined downwardly in such relation that when a power drive is being transmitted through these surfaces they will not be unhooked by the engagement of the lower shoulder I08 against the nose I26, but will remain in engagement for driving the manual actuator back up to its normal position. It will be seen from this that the power actuator H5 assumes dominant control in the event of interfering operation of the two actuators. The power driven upward movement of the brake operator 9? reengages the brake, thereby releasing the clutch through the brake drum II and applying braking force to the crankshaft through the brake drum 'I2, the parts thereupon coming to rest in their normal position, such completing one cycle or-a single trip operation. In the operation of applying the brake, the springs 83 assist in completing the'up- Ward movement of the brake operator 98 after the toggle mechanism 9496 has moved beyond the dead center position :c-a:.(as also indicated by the dotted line position in Figure 11). :By. appropriate adjustment of the brake shoes, toggle mechanism and related parts, substantially the entire brake engaging force or pressure may be transmitted from the power actuator H5, or from the springs 83, or from .a combination of. both.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the cyclical steps which occur when the control mechanism is set for repeating operation. This setting is obtained by swinging the handle I45 downwardly to its lower position, thereby disposing the kerf I 4| of the tripping shaft MI in vertical position, so that the shaft does not exert any tripping action on the hook I21 of the dog I24. Figure 13 shows the manual actuator H4 as having been depressed for starting the continu ous running or repeating operation of the press. Because of the fact that the tripping shaft MI is now in its non-tripping position, the nose I26 is not released from the shoulder IE8 when the manual actuator reaches the lower limit of its motion; to the contrary, thisnose remains in engagement with the hook I08, and hence holds theupper hook I09 of the latch I01 in its disengaged position where it cannot be hooked by the power driven hook I51. Hence, the power actuator H can continue to reciprocate indefinitely during the repeating operation of the press without re-' applying the brake--so long as the manual ac ,tuator I I4 is held depressed. However, as soon as the attendant allows the treadle I35 to swing upwardly, the upward restoring motion of the manual actuator H4 permits the latch I01 to swing to the left for placing the upper hook I09 in the path of the power driven hook I51; Accordingly, the upward reciprocation of the power actuator II5 immediately imparts power driven movement to the brake operator 98 for immediately reengaging the brake. This releases the clutch and applies braking force to the crank shaft, thereby quickly bringing the parts to; rest at the completion of this continuous or repeating operation.

Referring to the modified construction shown in Figures 15 and 16, this embodiment employs positive blocking means which will be effective to positively interrupt rotation of the clutch controlling brake drum H if there should be any tendency of this brake drum to continue rotation a substantial distance after the brake has been applied. This blocking means comprises a blocking arm I15 adapted to be swung into and out of the pathof movement ofa pin, stud, roller; or other stop I11 projecting laterally from the outer portion of the brake drum H. Th army, I15 comprises a right angle blocking shoulder I15a which is adapted to bestruck by the stop. roller I11, and said arm also comprises a downwardly extending finger portion I151) which rides constantly on the upper endof the manual ,ac tuator H4. The other end of the blocking arm is pivotally mounted on a stud I19 carried by. a bracket IBI secured to the press frame 24. A rubber bushing I82 may beinterposed between; the-hub of the arm I15 and the stud.l19 (orvbetween the stud I19 and the bracket I8I) for. cushioning the shock occurring when the stop roller I11strikes the blocking arm I15. A ten-,

sion spring I84 extended between the blocking arm and a lower point of attachment serves to hold the lower finger portion 115?) pressed against the upper end of the manual actuator H4, so that the blocking arm moves up and down di rectly with the manual actuator (Figure 16). In the operation of this embodiment, it will be seen that when the manual actuator H4 is moved downwardly to engage the clutch the blocking arm I15 is correspondingly moved downward to clear the stop roller I11. As soon as the manual actuator H4 is permitted to move upwardly for engaging the brake and releasing the clutch, the blocking arm I15 is correspondingly moved lip-- wardly to interpose the blocking surface 115a in the path of the stop roller I11, for blocking con- 'tinued rotation of the brake drum 1! if there should be any tendency of this drum to continue rotation beyond the desired stopping point.

Referring now to the modified construction shown in Figures 17 and 18, this embodiment also comprise a blocking arm I85 adapted to be swung into and out of the path of a, stop roller I 81 projecting laterally from the outer portion of the clutch controlling brake drum 1 I. The timed location of the stop roller can be adjusted relatively to the brake drum, by screwing the supporting stud I81 into any one of a series of t'aipped holes I88 provided in the brake drum arranged for the stop roller I11 of Figur 15. The hub of the blocking arm is pivotally supported on a mounting pin I89 projecting from a mounting bracket I 9! secured to the press frame. A rubber bushing I92 may be interposed between the hub and the pin, or between the pin and the bracket, to help cushion the blocking shock. In this embodiment, before the stoproller I81 comes into positiveblocking engagement with the stop shoulder I85a on said lever, it first comes into engagement with a long cam surface I851) formed on the under side of the lever, for forcing the lever upwardly around the pivot I 89. Pivoted to the lever on the pin I94- is a link I95 which has its lower end pivoted on a pin I58 carried by the brake operator 98. The pin I95 may project from the center of the crosshead 51 or any other portion ofthe.

brake operator, although in the simplified construction illustrated in Figure 18, this pin is shown as being an integral extension of the adjacent knuckle pivot 95. Thus, the lever I 85 responds directly to the motion of the brake operator S8, and, under certain safety conditions,

the brake operator 58 responds directly to the In the operation of this motion of the lever. embodiment, the downward movement of the brake operator 98 in the operation of releasing the brake to engage the clutch, causes th lever I85 to be swung down to the dotted line position,

to permit the stop roller I81 to pass freely above the lever. When the operator 93 moves upwardly in the operation of engaging the brake, the lever I85 is swung upwardly into the path of the stop roller I81, as shown in full lines. If the stop roller I81 does not come to rest in it nor mal position but moves into engagement with the cam surface I851), then the lever I85 exerts increased braking pressure on the brake drum 11 through the operator 93. If this increased braking pressure still does not bring the brake drum 1| to a stop, then the stop roller I 81 finally comes up against th positive blocking shoulder I85a, andpositively stops the brake drum, in the same A similar timed adjustment may also be manner described above of the preceding em-- bodiment.

Referring now to the modified construction illustrated in Figures. 19 and 20 in this embodiment the clutch is a straightspring-loaded clutch wherein the entire engaging pressure is derived solely from the compression springs Bill: without utilizing servo mechanism. There. is a circular series of these compression springs arranged; in equally spaced angular relation around the hub 202' of'the thrust reaction member 42. The frontends of the springs seat in pockets in the hub structure 34 of the shiftable clutch element 32', and the rear ends of the springs seat in pockets. in the thrust reaction member. These springs tend constantly to force the shiftable clutch element 32' into engagement with the driving clutch element 3|. The torque load of the clutch: is; transmitted from the shiftable clutch element 32 to the thrust reaction member t2 by a. threearmed spring spider 285 which. is. shown in end. elevation in Figure 20; The central, portion. of the. spider is secured by rivets or screws 28:6; to; the; thrust reaction member 421,. and the; outer ends of; the spider arms, aresecured by rivets or screwsv 20'! to the shiftable, clutch, element 3.2. The spi der is preferably composed of two or more laminations of; spring steel of sulficient, flexibility to.v accommodate the shiftingmovement of the clutch element 32, while still having enough. strength in torsion to transmit the entire torque load from: the member 32 to the member; 42;, This embodiment employs substantially the; same arrange-- ment of ball-cam servo releasing mechanism 55,. 55, 51 responsive to the same brake mechanism. H, 12;, l3, 73" as previously described. As: optional features, the cam plate 5.5 is constructed as a separate ring having screw-threaded connec-. tion with the brake; drum M, and; the other cam plate 56 is made axially adjustable relatively to. the shiftable clutch element 32: through theme dium of an adjusting ring 289, both of which op tional features may be. embodied-in. the first described construction if desired; The adjusting. ring 2539 is internallyv threaded; to. screw over an. external thread on thecam ring '5, and the lat ter is held against rotation with. the adjusting rotation of the ring 2639 by pins 2 i l whichpermit.

relative axial movement between the cam ring r 5.6 and the hub 3d of the shiftable clutche1e-.

in spaced; bearing lugs 2|6 projecting from! the:

webof the shiftable clutch element 32. A polygonal head 2.11 on the end. of the shaft. Z-tii is. adapted to receive a wrench for rotating the worm to adjust, the axial spacing between the:

cam ring 56 and the shiitable-clutch element 32. The construction and operation ofthis. worm wheel adjustment is disclosed. in greater detail: in my copending application Serial No. 405,145, filed August'l, 1,94 1. The operation of thisspring load clutch is substantially. identicalwith thatof' the first described embodiment; This spring loaded construction may alsoembodythe additional features of Figures 15, 1'6, 1'7, and: 18111 de sired.

While I have illustrated and described. what. I regard to be the preferred embodiments: of; my. invention, nevertheless. it; will: be understood that such are merely exemplary, and; that numerous. modifications and rearrangements. may be I made therein without departing from the essence of the-invention.

I claim:

1. In combination, a driven member, a clutch for driving. said driven member, servo releasing mechanism for releasing said clutch, brake mechanism operative to govern said servo. releasing mechanism and also operative to apply braking force to. said driven member, a first actuating means for. actuting. said brake mechanism to permit. engagement of said clutch, and a second actuating means for actuating said brake mechanismto automatically release said clutch independently of said first actuating means.

2. In combination, a driven member, a clutch for driving said driven member, servo releasing mechanism for releasing saidv clutch, brake mechanism operative to govern said servo releasing mechanism and also effective to apply braking force to said driven. member, a first actuating means for actuating said brake mechanism to permit engagement of said clutch, and a second actuating means for actuating said brake mechanism to automatically release said clutch in timed relation. to the motion of said driven memberand independently of said first actuating,

means.

3. In combination, a driven member, a clutch for driving said driven memben'servo releasing mechanism for releasing said clutch, brake mechanism operative to govern said servo releasing mechanism and also operative to apply braking force to said driven member, manual actuating means for actuating said brake mechanism to permit engagement of said clutch, and automatic. power driven actuating means for actuating said brake mechanism, to automatically release said clutch in timed relation to the motion of said' driven member and independently of attempted interfering operation. by said manual actuating. means.

4., In combination, a driven member, a clutch for driving said driven member, ball-cam servo releasing mechanism for releasing said clutch, brake mechanism operative to govern said servo releasing mechanism and also operative to apply braking force to said'driven member, a manual actuator for actuating said brake mechanism to ermit engagement of said clutch, a power actuator for actuating said brake mechanism to release said clutch independently of said manual actuator, and means for driving said power ac-- tuator from said driven member whereby to time the release-of the clutch relativelyto the motion of said driven member, and whereby toovercome interfering operationaccidentally attempted by" I said manual actuator.

' 5". In combination, a driven member, afriction clutch for driving said driven member, servo en-' gaging mechanism responsive-to the torque transmitted to said drivenmember for. creating a.

high engaging pressure in said clutch, servo re leasing mechanism for releasing said clutch, brake mechanism operative. togovern said servov releasing-mechanism. and also operative to apply: brake ing force to said driven member, a. first actuating means for'actuating said braking mechanism. to permit engagement; of said clutch and a; sec.- ond actuating means for actuating said. brake mechanism to automatically release said clutch in timed relation to the, motion Ofl said. driven member and independently of said first actuatin means.-

the-like, thecombin'atiorr. of aaclutch.for-contr.ol.

: releasing said clutch when said brake is engaged :and for engaging said clutch when said brake is released, an operator for said brake,- spring .ling thetransm'i'ssion of power to the crank shaft 7 of the press,a treadle for starting the press, and =control mechanism for said clutch responsive to said treadle and selectively settable to effect sin- "gle-trip operation each time said treadle is depressed or to maintain continuous repeated operation of the press solong as the treadle is held depressed, said control mechanism comprising a manual actuator for permitting engagement ofsaid clutch, a power actuator for releasing said clutch, means for driving said power actuator concurrently with said crank shaft to time the release of said clutch relatively to the motion of said crank shaft, and means operative when said control mechanism is set to eifect single-trip operation for causing said power actuator to assume dominant control over said clutch in the event that said manual actuator accidentally attempts to interfere with the operation of said power actuator.

'7. In clutch mechanism of the class described, the combination of a driven member, a clutch for driving said driven member comprising driving and driven clutch elements, brake mechanism for controlling the engagement of said-clutch comprising a brake operating member, a manual actuator for actuating said brake operating member in one direction, an automatic actuator for actuating said brake operating member in the other direction, means responsive to th motion of said driven member for driving said automatic actuator, and means for causing said automatic actuator to actuate said brak operating member independently of accidental conflicting operation by said manual actuator.

8. In clutch mechanism for driving the crank shaft of a punch press or the like, the combination of a clutch, control mechanism for said clutch comprising a brake adapted to be engaged to control the releaseof said clutch and to be released to control the engagement of said clutch, a brake operator, a manual actuator for actuating said brake operator inone direction, an automatic actuator power driven from said crank shaft for actuating said brake operator in the other direction, means for adjusting the timing of said automatic actuator relatively to said crank shaft, and connector means for establishing operative connection selectively between either of said actuators and said brake operator, and p e t the other of said actuators having such operative connection when the first of said actuators has said operative connection.

9. In clutch mechanism, the combination of a driven member, a clutch for driving said member comprising a clutch element shiftable into and out of clutching engagement, a brake, means responsive to said brake for shifting said clutch element, spring toggle mechanism adapted to be biased to each side of a dead center position for operating said brake, said toggle mechanism applying said brake when biased to one side of' said dead center position, and releasing said brake when biased to the other side of said dead center position, manually actuated means for moving said toggle mechanism to brake-off position, power driven means responsive to said driven member for moving said toggle mechanism to brake-on position, and means for adjusting the timing of said power driven means relatively to said driven member.

10. In a punch press having a crank shaft, the combination of a clutch for governing the drive to said crank shaft, control mechanism for said clutch comprising a brake, means for toggle mechanism acting on said brake opera- 'tor,a treadle responsive actuator, a power responsive actuator, a latch connected with said responsive actuator for engaging said latchto -move said brake operator in one direction, means moving with said power responsive actuator for engaging said latch to move the brake operator in the other direction, driving means for transmitting a drive from said crank shaft to said power responsive actuator, and means for adjusting the timed relation between said crank shaft and said power responsive actuator.

11. In apunch press having a crank shaft, the combination of a clutch for governing the drive to said crank shaft, control mechanism for said clutch comprising a brake, means for releasing said clutch when said brake is engaged and for engaging said clutch when said brake is released, an operator for said brake, spring toggle mechanism acting on said brake operator, a treadle responsive actuator, apower responsive actuator, a latch connected with said brake operator, dog means moving with said treadle responsive actuator for engaging said latch to move said brake operator in one direction, hook means moving with said power responsive actuator for engaging said latch to move the brake operator in the other direction, driving means for transmitting a drive from said crank shaft to said power responsive actuator, means for adjusting the timed relation between said crank shaft and said power responsive actuator, and change-over means coacting with the dog means of said treadle responsive actuator for selectively converting said clutch control mechanism from single -trip operation to repeating operation and vice versa.

12. In a punch press having a crank shaft and crank, the combination of a friction clutch for driving said crank shaft, a first brake drum for .controlling'said clutch, a second brake drum for stopping said crank shaft, brake means acting substantially simultaneously on both brake drums, ball-cam means for releasing said clutch when said first brake drum is engaged, means for engaging said clutch when said first brake drum is released, a brake operator for actuating said brake means, spring biased toggle mechanism acting on said brake operator, a manual actuator, a power actuator, a latch pivotally mounted on said brake operator, a dog pivotally mounted on said manual actuator and adapted to engage said latch, a hook on said power actuator adapted to engage said latch, means for driving said power actuator from said crank shaft, an interrupter shoulder on said dog, and an interrupter device movable into and out of the path of said interrupter shoulder to convert the mechanism from single-trip operation to repeating operation and vice versa.

13. In combination, a clutch for transmitting torque to a driven member, torque responsive servo mechanism operative to transmit engaging pressure to said clutch, and tending to rotate said driven member when said clutch is disengaged, brake responsive control mechanism operative to transmit releasing pressure to said clutch and tending to hold said driven member against such rotation when said clutch is disengaged, a manual actuator operative to control the engagement of said clutch through said control mechanism, and a power actuator operative to reovertravel of said driven member for acting on said brake apparatus to release said clutch.

15. In combination, a clutch for controlling the drive to a driven member, a brake drum operatively connected to control said clutch, brake means adapted to engage said brake drum, a manual actuator for actuating said brake means to engage said clutch, apower actuator for actuating said brake means to release said clutch, means for driving said power actuator fromsaid driven member, a stop projection rotating with said brake drum, a blocking'member movable into a and out of the path of said stop projection, and means for automatically moving said blocking member into and out of such path at different times in the operating cycle of the clutch.

16. In combination, a clutch for controlling the drive to a driven member, clutch control mechanism comprising brake apparatus for controlling the engaging and releasing of the clutch, a manualactuator for actuating said brake apparatus to permit engagement of said clutch, an

automatic actuator responsive to said driven member for: actuating said brake apparatus to release said clutch, and blocking means responsive to overtraveliof said driven member for acting on said brake apparatus'to release said clutch.

17'. In combination, a clutch for controlling the drive to a driven member, clutch control mechanism comprising brake apparatus for controlling the engaging and releasing of the clutch, a manual actuator for actuating said brake apparatus to permit engagement of said clutch, an automatic" actuator responsive: to. said driven member for actuating said brake apparatusto' release said clutch, andv safety mechanism. operative upon predetermined overtravel of saiddriven member for increasing the braking energy exerted on said brake apparatus and thereafter positively'block- 7 ing said brake I apparatus.

18. In clutch mechanism, the combination of a driven member; a clutch for driving said member comprising a clutch element shiftable into and out of clutching engagement, a brake operative to govern said clutch and also operative to apply braking force to said driven member,- means responsive to said brake for shifting said clutch element, spring toggle mechanism adapted to be biased to each side of a dead center position for operating said brake, said toggle mechanism applying said brake when biased to one side of'said dead center position, and releasing said} brake when biased to the other side of said dead center position, manually actuated means for moving said toggle mechanism to brake-01f position, and power driven means responsive to said driven member for moving said toggle mechanism to brake-on position.

1.9. In a punch press having a crank shaft, the combination of a clutch for governing the drive to said crank shaft, a'brake operative to control said clutch and also operative to apply braking force to said crank shaft, means for releasing said clutch when said brake is engaged and for engaging said clutch when said brake is released, an operator for said brake, springtoggle mechanism acting on said brake operator, a treadle responsive actuator, a power responsive actuator, a latch connected with said brake operator, means moving with said treadle responsive actuator for engaging said latch to move said brake operator in one direction, means movingwith said power responsive actuator forengaging said latch to move the brake operator in the other direction, and driving means for transmitting a drive from said crank shaft to said power responsive actuator.

CLARENCE M. EASON. 

